A MAN was awarded a million pounds damages today for a hospital's mistakes at his birth - 27 years ago.

Anthony Louca, a chef's son from Middlesbrough was a 36-week premature baby born at the town's Carter Bequest Hospital in September 1979.

His mother Marilyn was left alone by the midwife soon after he was born and he developed problems before he was transferred to Middlesbrough Maternity Hospital where he was put on one of the first ventilators.

There were fears for his life and he was christened when he was only four hours old.

Despite suffering convulsions the hospital allowed him to go home after two weeks.

He has never been able to work because of short-term memory loss and hearing difficulties and he has a care worker who takes him out.

Today, after his mother's 13 year legal battle he was awarded £1m agreed damages in the High Court in Middlesbrough from the County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority.

Jonathan Holl-Allen, barrister for the health authority, said at the public hearing: "The health authority expresses its regret at the circumstances surrounding his birth at Carter Bequest Hospital in 1979.

"It is hoped that this agreed settlement will go somewhere towards improving his quality of life.

"The health authority and I personally would like to express our admiration for the care which has been provided to him since 1979."

Judge Michael Taylor said that he was constantly amazed by families' struggle against adversity, and he hoped that the money would go some way to easing the Loucas'difficulties.

Their solicitor Chris Buckland from Askews said that the money will be put into a Personal Injury Trust for John's future.

Mrs Louca, 47, whose husband John, 71, is now disabled, paid tribute to Dr Mike Smith and consultant Anthony Johnson from The Jessop Hospital, Sheffield, for giving John great support.

She said after the case: "I also want to thank Askews for the help they have given us through this.

"I thought it was going to take another two or three years. If it had not been for all those people we would have been lost."

Anthony, who was in court with his mother, said that his interests were playing computer games and watching videos.